Otter on the Rocks — Restaurant in Seattle

I really wanted to love this place. It started off great the bartender was attentive, the music was on point, and the seating was cozy. My friends and I were having a great time, enjoying our drinks and the overall vibe.

At one point, I noticed there was an upstairs area, so I politely asked if our small party of three could move up there. The first bartender was kind but didn’t give a clear answer. So I asked again when a new staff member clocked in, and her response was unnecessarily rude. She bluntly said, “No! It’s only for parties of six or more. You’re more than welcome to invite more people, but other than that, it’s not happening.” It wasn’t just the policy that bothered me—it was the dismissive and almost condescending tone she used.

Considering this was our last week in Seattle, it left a bad taste in our mouths. A simple, respectful explanation would have been fine, but the attitude completely soured the experience. Unfortunate, because this place had potential. Customer service matters just as much as good drinks...

As a local, I really wanted to like this place more than I did ! I don't like writing poor reviews, but having driven past this place many times I was excited to try it out.... While we did have a nice time here, I was disappointed to find that our cocktails were pre-batched, and not made 'scratch'. For the price we paid for our drinks I feel that with all the great scratch cocktail bars around, and with bartenders and mixologists making great cocktails, the Otter on the Rocks needs to up it's game! After leaving the Otter, we were able to walk around the corner only 200yds and get much better cocktails; Mixed, Shaken and Stirred in front of us as we stood at the bar chatting about them with the bar crew.

I am happy to give this place another chance, but I will be wary in the future to ask for something not pre-made.

Come on Otter, you can do better...

Pretty good drinks. West Seattle needs some more bars that are open late. Gets busy around 9 on the weekends. Good service! I think it would benefit from maybe like a DJ on sat nights. West Seattle needs some spice and it would encourage the large young late twenties early 30s crowd living around here to frequent. Downside: very limited food menu. It has flatbreads, cookies, and they bring you pretzels but I'm allergic to gluten so they'res lit nothing I can eat here. Prevents people from staying longer and spending more. I also don't just want a salad.

Weird thing: the bathroom is weird. I've never been in a unisex multi stall restroom and noticed most people entering were a little uncomfortable, even the guys. Some waited outside for a girl to finish using the restroom. Will just take some getting used to, but glad it doesn't have...